Here’s an idea to address the severely overcrowded and often unsafe parking conditions that exist in the Lewes Beach residential area.
The solution is that parking in the Lewes Beach residential area be for homeowners, their invited guests, service/contractor vehicles with legitimate business at homes adjacent to their parked locations, and city, county, state or federal government vehicles. Residents would be issued a predetermined number of permanent parking passes and would be responsible to use them judiciously for their personal vehicles and invited guests.
The idea is conceptually simplistic and is based on a common-sense approach. This solution will address the Lewes Beach homeowners’ concerns, will improve safety for pedestrians and bicyclists, and will work to maintain a reasonable maximum headcount on Lewes Beach proper.
Lewes officials and the state representative and senator who serve this district have the opportunity to rectify the problem and address the parking issue. Remember that it is the taxpaying homeowners and residents of Lewes Beach that should be the solution’s focal point. Too often it is business as usual and lack of common-sense vision when trying to solve a politically sensitive problem. This is a workable solution and the right choice for Lewes Beach.
Any nonresidents who wish to use the beach will park in the city lots east of Dairy Queen or in the private lots offering paid parking. If no parking spaces are available in those locations, then those persons are welcome to drive their vehicles to Cape Henlopen State Park. If CHSP is full, then those vehicles would exit Lewes Beach and seek beach access at other beach locations.
The severe parking issues on Lewes Beach are symptomatic of the much greater county overcrowding and overdevelopment issues that are a subject for a future letter.
There are several reasons for the legal adoption of this idea. This plan will permanently address an existing issue. It will improve Lewes Beach safety by minimizing the pedestrian and bicycle encroachment farther out into the traffic lanes on Cedar Street to avoid parked vehicles. It will minimize the overcrowded beach potential. It will provide a city income stream based on the fines levied for illegally parked vehicles. This will offset the cost of parking permits, signage and police patrols.
Lastly, if we charge for parking in the lots or state park locations, why should those who have created a parking eyesore and unsafe conditions park for free?
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